Will one more year make a difference?

[Cbeebiesgurl]

DP and I have just decided that we would like to try for a third baby. I'm nearly 38 and on a sabbatical from work to be at home with my children and going back Dec 2018. If I were to conceive now, I wouldn't get any maternity leave pay. If I were to start trying around the time I go back then I would get mat leave pay and would have at least 9 months back to work so I wouldn't feel too bad going off again (workplace is very supportive of expecting mums but I would prefer not to go back for only a couple months). Obviously I realise we might not conceive as easily as we previously have, but assuming that side would be OK, do you feel like waiting a year to start at my age is a bit risky? Would you just start TTC straight away and go without the mattress leave pay? We don't have loads of money but could adjust our budget and just get by. I'd go back after 1 year maternity leave either way.

[Poptart4]

I would start ttc now. I'm 34 and have been ttc for the last 5 months with no luck. My last 3 children were conceived by now so I can only assume it's my age which is making it a lil harder this time - I was in my early 20's with the others.

That's not to say that you won't get lucky and conceive straight away but if it's something you really want then Id go for it just in case.

[Cbeebiesgurl]

Thank you. That is a really good point. Thanks for your perspective and hope you get your bfp soon!

[QueenAravisOfArchenland]

It might well, yes. 38 is when fertility really starts declining steeply and risks start rising quite rapidly.

I think you have to weigh it up for yourself whether struggling/not being able to conceive at 40+ or doing without mat pay is the bigger risk for you.

[Bubblegum89]

I would start ttc straight away. I left it a while after starting a new job to start ttc and I’ve now been ttc for a year with no luck. If you really want a baby, I would just go for it, you just never know how long it’s going to take and the later you start, the more your chances start to go down. Good luck!

[Cbeebiesgurl]

Thank you everyone. Some really useful advice. I expected to be told 1 more year was nothing so lots to think about now!

[Cbeebiesgurl]

Best of luck to the ladies who are ttc!

[Chattycat78]

Definitely don’t wait another year- fertility really drops off late thirties unfortunately and you have no clue what’s going to happen with it.